[Opensource] Interactive Electronic Whiteboards

[Cameron Bell]

I have found that with my senior physics classes I still tend to use it 
as a glorified projections system where I could do what I do without the 
need of the IWB part. However, I do appreciate the IWB software that 
accepts YouTube videos in the native flv format. I can prepare a lesson 
ahead of time and just drop the video in. I am also getting better at 
using the drawing tools - they let me draw far more accurately.
Where I have found the IWB comes into its own is with Junior classes. 
As  I desperately try to get away from having the whole class doing the 
same activity or listening to me in the old chalk and talk, I have found 
that when I can arrange for multiple activities to be occuring, the IWB 
is a great activity to supplement the others. I can have a group of 
three or four using it, while others may  be using the laptops or doing 
a practical activity. It works a treat in those situations, however 
finding time to create and organise a class structured in this way is 
very hard - but when it works it works well.

Roland I know of a school that initially went the Bluetooth tablets way 
and have ditched them for more IWB's. I can email you the school 
off-list if you want to find out more.

 From a FOSS point of view,  my concern is wrapping up my lessons in 
proprietary IWB software format which I am not happy about and when I 
used the Linux version (why we went with Smartboards - they have 
Win/Lin/Mac versions) on my R51 Ubuntu, there was an unacceptable lag 
between writing on the IWB and it appearing. I had to ditch it in the 
end and use the Win side as I couldn't find a solution and simply didn't 
have the time to do so.  :(

Cameron

Roland Gesthuizen wrote:
> A neighbouring school has IWB's gathering dust as they are used as an 
> expensive whiteboard / projection systems. From what I can see, only 
> one unit is used effectively by an inspiring teacher who teaches only 
> in the same room.
>
> I am typing this post on an Ubuntu Linux desktop (excuse me for being 
> a power user). The USB waicom tablet that I loaned from school just 
> plugged in and started working. Again, this got me thinking about the 
> benefits of a 'touch sensitive' IWB as compared to just using a 
> wireless bluetooth enabled mini-keyboard with trackpad / USB port and 
> a bluetooth Waicom tablet.
>
> In theory two (or more) sets of these units can be shared amongst 
> students and the teacher in a classroom, perhaps one per team of 
> students. When necessary or desirable, they can then collaborate, 
> annotate on the big screen, all using a portable or existing projector 
> system.
>
> This week, I am going to order two sets of these wireless devices for 
> a trial.  Whilst I am not trying to reproduce the traditional IWB and 
> might miss out on some of the "eye candy", the cost saving and 
> approach where students can contribute from their team desks is very 
> appealing.
>
> What do others think?
>
> Regards Roland
>
> -- 
> Roland Gesthuizen - ICT Coordinator - Westall Secondary College
> http://www.westallsc.vic.edu.au
>
> "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can 
> change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has." 
> --Margaret Mead _______________________________________________
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